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Pilot program to teach kids where food comes from

A new state program will feed Georgia-grown lunches to children at three elementary schools in Hall, Bleckley and Colquitt counties next spring.

The Feed My School for a Week program will teach students where their food comes from, Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black said.

“This is a great leap forward to help show young Georgians where the food they eat is grown,” Black said. “Through this program, students will learn about the processes taken to bring their school meals from a local Georgia farm to the cafeteria table, while simultaneously receiving a healthy, delicious meal.”

It will also keep students healthier, School Superintendent John Barge said.

“Georgia is second in the nation in childhood obesity,” Barge said. “The ‘Feed My School for a Week’ program is a great first step in raising students’ awareness of nutritional options as well as promoting healthier meals in our schools.”

During a one-week period in the spring semester, at least 75 percent of the food served for lunch in the three schools’ cafeteria will be grown in Georgia. Essay and art contests, guest speakers, taste tests and other educational activities are also planned.

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